Page 6 of Betrayal of a Billionaire
They parted ways with her heading up the stairs as he hovered in the doorway to his office. Instead of stepping inside, he headed towards the stairs and made his way through the lavish halls to his room. He tugged the drawer of his nightstand open and pulled out the velvet box.
With a grin, he snapped it open and stared at his grandmother’s diamond ring. A chime of his cell phone pulled his attention away as he imagined slipping it onto Julia’s finger.
He dug his phone from his pocket and glanced at the display. A text awaited him from Sierra.You’re welcome, Daddy. I expect you to use this relaxing opportunity to do what needs to be done with Julia.
He smiled at the message, then shifted his gaze back to the ring. Each sparkle reminded him of a moment he and Julia had shared. This wasn’t just a ring, but a promise. A promise of a beautiful life together.
He pictured Julia’s eyes lighting up as he slid it onto her finger. A pang of doubt had him questioning if it was the right time, but he shoved it aside. It had to be now. In a quiet moment amidst all their chaos, this would be the anchor to cling to.
He closed the ring box and tucked it into his pocket, feeling its weight as a tangible symbol of his commitment. He took a deep breath, a mix of resolve and anticipation coursing through him.
This trip was going to be life-changing.
CHAPTER 2
JULIA
Julia sank into the plush leather of the limo as the hum of the engine blended with the soft pop of a champagne cork. For some reason, the noise startled her more than she expected.
Sierra, ever the orchestrator of opulence, beamed as she poured the bubbling liquid into flutes. Once everyone held a glass, she raised hers. “To new beginnings and family bonding.”
Julia sipped at the champagne, the bubbles tickling her nose. She tried to allow the tension of the past months to lift, replaced by the allure of the unknown. “So, where are we going?”
“That’s a surprise, Julia. You’ll see when we get there.”
“You mean you’re not telling us until we’re there?” Julia asked.
“I am not,” Sierra said after another sip of her drink. “I can’t wait for you to see what I booked. I think everyone is going to be really stunned by my choice.”
The smile that had been playing on Grant’s lips slipped. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Nothing. Just that…I think I’ve outdone myself.”
“We’re not going to like a third-world country where you plan to leave me for dead, are we?” Kyle asked.
“No, Kyle, but thanks for the idea. The next time I need a pick-me-up, I’ll plan that.”
Kyle narrowed his eyes at her.
Grant shifted in his seat, setting his glass down. “All right, that’s enough, you two. We just toasted to family bonding and new beginnings.”
“Sorry, Daddy. You’re right. This trip is going to really bring us together as a family.” She arched an eyebrow as she shot a pointed glance at Grant. “I’m sure you’ll agree, right, Daddy?”
Grant grabbed the champagne and took a sip. “Absolutely.”
His sudden unease made her uncomfortable. Was there more to this trip than she realized? Was there some bombshell they planned to drop? It had been a quiet few months.
Maybe he planned to let her go from the contract early. She took another sip of her drink as the limo glided closer to the airstrip. A family trip with the Harringtons was probably not going to be a simple getaway.
She stared into the bubbling liquid as her mind whirled. When she lifted her eyes, she found Grant’s gaze on her. She offered him a soft smile as the car came to a stop.
The door opened and Sierra climbed out, waving for them to follow her. “Come on, let’s go. All aboard the Harrington Express!”
“I’m really starting to get worried about this,” Kyle said as he exited the limo behind Julia. “Do you have matching shirts for us, Sierra?”
“Ugh, no, Kyle, those are so tacky. Stop being ridiculous and get on the plane before I revoke your invitation.”
He climbed up the stairs without another word. Sierra grabbed Julia’s hand and dragged her to the plane, pushing her up the steps ahead of her. Grant followed behind them.
